Rep. Pressley: Bill would ease access to birth control pills

BOSTON (AP) — U.S. Rep. Ayanna Pressley is working with other Democratic members of Congress to push legislation aimed at making it easier and less expensive to obtain birth control pills.

The legislation would require insurance companies to cover any oral contraception approved by the Food and Drug Administration. The pills would be available over-the counter without the need for a prescription.

Supporters say the bill would expand access to affordable birth control while maintaining the FDA’s authority to determine the safety of drugs.

Pressley said the change would affirm a person’s right to make decisions about their body and if and when to start a family.

Among the bill’s other Democratic supporters are Massachusetts Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Edward Markey, Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut and Sen. Jack Reed of Rhode Island.